During Yen Press‘ industry panel at Anime NYC, Ize Press revealed a slate of four upcoming projects, highlighted by the popular webtoon Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid alongside major expansions to the Solo Leveling franchise.
Authored by Yoonhee Na, Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid is a 1926 historical romance set in Korea during the period of Japanese colonial rule. The narrative centers on Sooah, a young domestic worker whose life changes when she encounters Uihyeon, an injured independence activist hiding from Japanese forces. Originally serialized on WEBTOON, the six-volume completed series boasts over 13 million views. It earned the Presidential Award at the 2021 Korea Content Grand Prize and is currently being adapted into a live-action series.
Readers can check out the English digital edition of the webtoon on WEBTOON.
In addition, Ize Press plans to publish a Spanish-language edition of Solo Leveling spanning comic, novel, and audiobook formats. While the graphic novel and print novel versions will launch in the U.S. and Canada, the audiobook will see a global rollout.
The publisher is further broadening the franchise by bringing over the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok sequel novel series penned by Daul. This follow-up focuses on Sooho Sung—the son of the original hero, Jinwoo Sung—as he navigates the dangerous realm of hunters and monsters. The print adaptation of the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok webtoon began releasing physically this past July.
Fans can follow the English web novel version over on Tapas.
Rounding out the announcements is Solo Leveling: The Board Game, a cooperative, tactical tabletop experience designed for one to four players. It incorporates iconic characters, monsters, and bosses from the universe. Ize Press intends to offer both Standard and Ultimate editions, with the latter bundle including special collectibles such as a Beru plush toy.
Official release dates, price points, and further specifics regarding these new items will be shared at a later date.
Sources: Press release
ANN’s coverage of Anime NYC 2026 is sponsored by Yen Press. Whether it’s light novels, manga, or manhwa, Yen Press has everything you might want to add to your reading shelves! Visit Booth #1701 or YenPress.com for more information!